on 11/28/01 3:42 PM, Timothy J. Salo at salo@saloits.com wrote:
> A more interesting question is why AMSAT-NA provides merchandise for
> donations, rather than selling them. Most other not-for-profit,
> tax-exempt organizations have figured out how to sell stuff without
> unduly worrying about state sales taxes...
If Amsat were to "sell" an Arrow antenna or Nova, etc., they would be making
money at it. Therefore, they'd no longer be "non-profit." The idea of the
item being a donation means that a person could give any amount of money in
exchange for the item. Yes, it could be taken advantage of (like someone
"giving" a dollar for an Arrow), but that's the risk one takes as
non-profit.
Now, from what I understand, non-profits can actually make a profit (there
are stipulations though on what is done with those profits). That's why you
probably see some non-profits "selling" things. Perhaps AMSAT does not
distribute its profits correctly in order to "sell" and still be considered
non-profit.
And then again, just because a non-profit organization "sells" something
does not mean they are using the proper terminology or even being legally
correct.
I have no problem with whatever term they use.
73,
Jon
NA9D
-------------------------------------
Jon Ogden
NA9D (ex: KE9NA)
Member: ARRL, AMSAT, DXCC, NRA
http://www.qsl.net/ke9na
"A life lived in fear is a life half lived."
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